If you're travelling Arthur's Pass, you'll be on the Viaduct. Be sure to pull off to appreciate the view and construction.

Traveling down the west side of Arthur's Pass, we stop for a look at the new viaduct through the Otira Gorge, built 20 years ago to replace a tortuous road along the clifftops. We have our first wildlife encounter there: it's the kea, the only parrot in the world that lives in alpine elevations. They are an endangered species, and it is partly their own fault. They are attracted to humans and try to filch bits of food, which of course encourages humans to feed them, which does them no good. The population is being closely monitored, and we note the ID bands on their legs.

We were here in November and at least one of the car parks was closed as major roadworks were taking place. The one at the top of the gorge was open and gave good views back down the valley. It is a place where you may see kea, but we didn't.